90+ RATINGS POUR IN AS HARVEST CONTINUES
“Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” Some sources attribute this quote to Aristotle, while others claim it was Jean-Jacques Rousseau. In either case, this sentiment perfectly encapsulates the 2021 Harvest so far. It has been a delayed harvest across most of Santa Barbara wine country for everyone, including Sunstone. While our region enjoys one of the most consistent and predictable grape growing climates in the world, sometimes Mother Nature can be fickle. Everything from temperatures to sunlight to precipitation can dictate when the fruit is ready to be picked. This year, it is taking a lot longer than normal for the grapes to be ready, resulting in about 60% of our crop still hanging on the vine in mid-October.
But, harkening back to the quote above, the great news is that as we patiently wait for the bulk of the grapes to be ready, the fruit that has come in so far has been superb. When all is said and done, our winemakers and cellar team anticipate bringing in a record 275+ tons of premium quality fruit not only from our own Estate vineyard but 15 other esteemed vineyards throughout Santa Barbara County and Paso Robles. You can look forward to enjoying the whites and rosés from this harvest early next year and the reds in 2023.
In the meantime, we trust that you are enjoying our 2018 through 2020 vintages you have received in your last few wine shipments. We are proud that NINE of these wines have received 90+ ratings from nationally known, independent wine critics in 2021. In fact, if you pick up the current (October) issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine you will see our 2018 Eros was named a “Cellar Selection” with a 91 rating.
On to the details of your next wine shipment! In addition to the return of popular varietals like Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, the star of the show is our 2019 Merlot Reserve. As longtime members know, Sunstone is well-known for our award-winning Merlots. Fourteen of the 20 acres on our Estate are planted to this varietal. Read below for more details on all of the wines in your upcoming release.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you at the Estate soon. Cheers!
WINES INCLUDED IN THIS SHIPMENT:
2020 GRENACHE BLANC (MIXED CLUBS ONLY)
Retail: $30
[table id=79 /]
2019 MERLOT RESERVE, ESTATE
Retail: $65
[table id=75 /]
2019 PINOT NOIR, SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
Retail: $45
[table id=77 /]
2019 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
Retail: $45
[table id=78 /]
